Another action-packed season has drawn to a close – and much of football’s conversations are now focused on who will win this year’s Ballon d’Or gong. And La Liga Preisdent Javier Tebas has caused heads to turn by naming his two favourites for the award.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele – after the French side beat Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final – looks to be one of the leading contenders for the award. In all competitions in 2024/25, he plundered 33 goals and a further 15 assists.
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Lamine Yamal, too, must come into the reckoning given how influential he has been to proceedings under Hansi Flick and his entourage since breaking into the first team with ease. The teenage sensation, 17, figureheaded Barcelona’s domestic treble.
Tebas Names Shock Ballon d’Or Contender Alongside Yamal
'He hasn’t had a super season, but he do very well at the beginning'
Tebas, who has not been afraid to upset the applecart in the past, believes that a member of Real Madrid’s attacking ranks should be regarded as Barcelona’s Yamal’s primary competition for the prize, which will be given out at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.
That’s right – in what was a trophyless season for Los Blancos, who are now managed by Xabi Alonso, the La Liga chief believes that Vinicius Jr has a chance to pip one of world football’s greatest-ever teenagers to the award in early September. He said:
“It should be between Lamine Yamal and Vinicius Jr.”
Pressed on the reasoning why Vinicius, who chalked up 39 goal involvements (21 goals and 18 assists) in 52 matches, was in the running to pick up world football’s most prestigious individual prize after a relatively poor season, per COPE, he said:
“He hasn’t had a super season, but he do very well at the beginning. I think the Ballon d’Or is a season’s worth of achievement. He still has a few international matches and the Club World Cup to go before the season ends, but I would highlight those two from La Liga players. Watching the Spanish national team against France, there are so many Spanish players – and that’s extraordinary!”
Vini Jr – widely regarded as one of the best dribblers in world football – was embroiled in a Ballon d’Or controversy last year when the Brazilian and his teammates refused to turn up after understanding that Manchester City’s Rodri would win.
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The Spaniard did and no one to represent the La Liga giants was in attendance – but Tebas believes that he has a second chance at success this year. His comments have caught the attention of fans. “Does he watch football outside Spain?” one quizzed.
Another was confused by the fact that Tebas, who evidently wanted to keep Real Madrid happy by picking one of their players, didn’t opt for last summer's marquee addition, Kylian Mbappe, as a potential contender after the Frenchman enjoyed a quietly brilliant maiden campaign.
“I understand he wanted to say a Real Madrid player but surely should’ve said Mbappe at least?”
“I would be surprised if that guy is in the top 10 this season,” another added before a fourth wrote: “This is the most delusional president in the world.” In utter disbelief at Tebas' choice to name the tricky winger, a final fan concluded: “Lamine Yamal and WHO????”